Enzo Maresca’s reign at Manchester City has had to face its first shock right before the start of the 2026/27 season. Key midfielder Rodri is confirmed to undergo surgery after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup and is highly likely to miss the opening weeks of the new season.
According to information from the Daily Mail, Rodri is suffering from an undisclosed injury and requires surgical intervention for definitive treatment. Manchester City has not yet revealed details about the issue the Spanish international is facing. However, the surgery will only be carried out after the Spain national team’s journey at the 2026 World Cup on the soil of the US, Canada, and Mexico concludes.
This means Rodri is almost certain to be absent from most of the pre-season training phase under new coach Enzo Maresca, causing the Etihad home side’s preparation plans to be significantly affected.
Maresca, who has just returned to Manchester City after the club reached a compensation agreement with Chelsea, previously expected to have a favorable start to his new tenure. However, the absence of the player considered the brain of the midfield will certainly be a difficult puzzle for the Italian strategist.
On his debut day, Maresca shared: “Manchester City is a club that I know very well and to lead this team is a wonderful opportunity for me. This will be the third time I have worked here. I understand this club, understand the demands as well as the expectations”. The information about Rodri’s injury also comes amid the context that his future at the Etihad is receiving a lot of attention.
The Spanish midfielder has only 1 year remaining on his contract with Man City. Although the club is said to have sent an extension offer, the negotiation process has not yet achieved significant progress. This sparks speculations about the possibility of Rodri returning to La Liga, as Real Madrid is reportedly closely monitoring the situation.
If he does not extend before the end of the year, Rodri will be allowed to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England starting from January 1, 2027.
In the event that he arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, he will reunite with his former teammate Bernardo Silva, the player who recently moved to wear the shirt of Real Madrid under the guidance of coach Jose Mourinho. Outside of Rodri, center-back Nathan Ake is also entering the final year of his contract with Man City, leaving the Etihad home side facing the risk of losing another mainstay.
